Page 79 of Make Me Want it Too

He looks up from fixing his cufflink and stills. He’s not moving, not talking, making no facial expressions. Very un-Wood-like of him. But his eyes are trailing me slowly down to the floor and all the way up again.

“No one’s going to be looking at me. Not when I’m next to you.”

I look down at the dress and pretend to smooth out a wrinkle. “Do you like it?”

“You are stunning,” he says.

My cheeks are tight, I’m smiling so big.

I walk over to him and straighten his tie. His chest is warm and firm, and I let my hand linger there as I look up at him.

He’s looking down at me with his eyes, the color of the dress I no longer have to wear tonight, and a slight smile on his soft lips.

I know how soft they are, and how they feel.

I want to kiss him again.

But I don’t.

The west lawn is hidden away behind a wall of hedges—tall arborvitae meticulously sculpted into sharp spirals and boxwoods formed into perfect cubes—and can only be seen from the upper floors of the house.

The only entrance is between two of the arborvitae, where two men stand on either side in tuxes, handing glasses of champagne to each guest as they enter.

Wood and I walk in, my left hand in his, warm and secure, a cold glass of champagne in the other.

The space is grand. An expansive wooden dance floor has been built in the center in front of an area set up with chairs and music stands for the orchestra. Round tables with crisp, white tablecloths are nestled around in the lush, dark green manicured grass. Large topiaries line the inside of the hedges, dripping with white flowers. And string lights span the entire distance overhead.

Servers in all black suits and slicked back hair walk around with trays of hors d’oeuvres while guests mingle, and the wedding coordinator surveys everything while periodically talking into her headset.

I don’t see Bex and Jake yet. I look around for Livvy or Noah. No luck.

Two servers walk in front of us, maneuvering their trays around each other, and as they pass, Saundra and Margot are standing on the other side.

I squeeze Wood’s hand but it’s too late. We’ve been spotted, and they saunter our way. I take a big breath in and force a smile.

“Mr. Woodall.” Saundra nods toward Wood then looks at me. “Macy. What a lovely dress.” She looks me up and down, smiling cooly in her sleek black gown.

“You look really nice,” Margot agrees.

“She does. Extraordinary.” Saundra takes a sip of her champagne.

“You two look great, too. Beautiful dresses.” I nod. Am I still smiling?

“Thank you.” Margot beams. She’s stunning in a low-cut gold, slinky dress. She looks at Wood expectantly.

“All of you ladies look wonderful.” He gives them his most dazzling bright grin.

Saundra looks between him and Margot in a way that makes my stomach twist.

“But I think it’s safe to say I’m a bit partial to this one right here.” Wood leans over and kisses me on the temple. “Always the prettiest girl to me,” he whispers.

I don’t know if they heard that. I’m too preoccupied breathing in his scent and reveling in how he tightens his arm around my waist so the warmth of his body is pressed all along my side.

Anyway, I like that he said it in a way that was meant for just me. Like it had nothing to do with faking a relationship.

And then he says he sees Noah and excuses us away, and I’m so grateful for it.

Luckily, dinner goes smoothly—all six courses. Well, except for Zayne getting mad at Dane.

---